The Asian-Pacific Regional Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-Asia) begins a 38 day cruise aboard the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown on March 14. Three PMEL Scientists: Tim Bates, Trish Quinn,and Jim Johnson will participate on this cruise along with scientists from numerous university and research organizations.
Shipboard measurements during the 2001 ACE-Asia intensive field operations will contribute to the regional characterization of aerosol properties by providing data downwind of the continent. Ship operations will be directed to sample regional aerosol features (e.g. dust outbreaks, urban and industrial plumes) under different synoptic meteorological patterns and at various distances from shore. The goals of these studies are to:
1. determine the physical, chemical and radiative properties of the aerosol in the ACE-Asia region and assess the vertical, regional and temporal (diurnal to multi-day) variability of these properties,
2. assess the major processes controlling the oxidation mechanisms of aerosol precursor gases and the formation, evolution and deposition of aerosol particles, and
3. quantify the direct radiative effect of the combined natural and anthropogenic aerosol in the ACE-Asia study area.